#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – How To Recognize The Warning Signs Of #Suicide: Be Prepared To Help By Knowing These 5 Things

by: Ian Bartlett

(Good Things Utah) – There may be times in your life or the life of your loved ones where there is a struggle to find ways to manage a difficult emotional situation or life stressor. The Utah Crisis Line, in association with the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline, is here to provide compassionate support during difficult times and refer anyone in need of #mentalhealthservices.

There is an ever-increasing need for #mentalhealthtreatment in Utah, especially for #youth. Close to one in five Utah #adults experience poor #mentalhealth and demand for #youth services is increasing rapidly. It’s more important than ever to be able to recognize the warning signs of #suicide to identify possible risk factors.

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for #suicide, especially if the #behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.

Warning signs of #suicide

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of #alcohol or #drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

Risk factors for #suicide

• #Mentaldisorders, particularly mood disorders, #schizophrenia, #anxietydisorders, and certain #personalitydisorders
• #Alcohol and other substance use disorders
• #Hopelessness
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• History of trauma or abuse
• Major physical illnesses, chronic pain
• Previous #suicideattempt(s)
• Family history of #suicide
• Job or #financial loss
• Loss of relationship(s)
• Easy access to lethal means
• Local clusters of #suicide

#James Donaldson notes:

Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.

Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.

Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle

Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,

Celebrating Your Gift of Life:

From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

How you can help prevent #suicide

If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time,  you can be the difference in getting them the help they need. Here are 5 things that you should do if someone is showing warning signs of #suicide:

1. Open up a dialogue. 

Ask specifically and directly about #mentalhealth and #suicide. Ask about feelings in an attentive and nonjudgmental way, e.g. “what’s causing you to feel so bad?” “what would help you feel better?”

Talking about #suicide does not increase the risk of #suicide or the risk that someone will act on their thoughts of #suicide.

2. Provide options for communication. 

Face-to-face conversations can be uncomfortable. Texting, email, and instant messaging can be very helpful ways for #teens to feel more comfortable talking about uncomfortable things, such as #suicide.

This can also include suggesting options for alternative #adults that they might feel more comfortable talking with. This might be another relative, #coach, #teacher, or #counselor.

3. Remain calm

It’s understandably difficult to hear that your #child might be having #suicidalthoughts, but they are looking to you for help, support, and guidance in how to navigate this. Becoming visibly panicked or frightened can communicate the wrong message to #teens.

This could possibly lead them to feel that they have caused you to become upset, that they need to take it upon themselves to figure out their problems, or even that they need to help comfort you.

4. Work together

Ask how you can help. If they aren’t sure, you can make some suggestions about seeking therapy or obtaining other resources such as SafeUT. They might even just want someone present with them.

5. Alleviate #isolation

Sometimes a reaction to learning about #suicidalthoughts is to take away potential resources such as technology. In many cases, technology can be a lifeline—especially when considering outlets such as SafeUT. Connection to others, in general, is very important at this time, and #parents can play a helpful role in facilitating more connections with friends and family.

Call the Utah Crisis Line at HMHI in partnership with the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 800-273-8255 or download the SafeUT app for additional resources.